Keith Hackett

Sun 9 March 2025 7:10, UK

Keith Hackett has hit out at the Premier League’s explanation for Brentford not being awarded a penalty against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Ollie Watkins’ 49th-minute goal won the game for Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, it was a game that was littered with incidents.

Morgan Rogers thought he doubled Villa’s tally instantly after Watkins’ goal before the England centre-forward was judged by VAR to be offside in the build-up.

Brentford then thought they should have had two penalties for incidents involving Kevin Schade.

Alex Disasi incidents almost ruin Aston Villa win

The second of those incidents saw Aston Villa’s Axel Disasi force Schade onto the ground.

Jarred Gillett didn’t point to the spot and after a brief check, VAR Peter Bankes stood by the on-field decision.

The Premier League Match Centre then announced on X that “the contact [between Disasi and Schade] deemed to be minimal and initiated by Schade”.

Former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Hackett disagreed with that assessment, arguing that Disasi caused the contact by pushing into Schade and that a penalty should have been awarded.

“I do not agree that the contact was initiated by the Brentford player,” Hackett told Villa News.

“VAR should have requested the referee to review the monitor on this incident.

“The view from behind gives clarity here and a penalty kick should have been awarded.”

Hackett ruled on another Brentford penalty shout v Aston Villa

Brentford had earlier claimed for another penalty when Disasi seemed to fall into Schade in the penalty area, knocking the Bees star down.

However, due to the fact Matty Cash won the ball beforehand, a penalty was not given and Hackett agreed with the matchday officials on that occasion.

“There were two penalty decisions in the same game. One correct and one incorrect,” the former PGMOL general manager added.